The FINANCIAL — Hannover, Germany—Delivering two keynote addresses at Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial fair, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue called for the United States and European Union to reinvigorate the transatlantic relationship through the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
The FINANCIAL — Hannover, Germany—Delivering two keynote addresses at Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial fair, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue called for the United States and European Union to reinvigorate the transatlantic relationship through the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Donohue joined Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte at the summit, which brings together top leaders of the technological industry from around the world, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
In his remarks, available here and here as prepared for delivery, Donohue outlined critical components to build the new, stronger transatlantic relationship.
“It’s time to reinvigorate the transatlantic relationship and fully assert the positive global leadership we know we are capable of,” said Donohue. “We must build a stronger and deeper partnership on every level—on trade, investment, energy, technology, innovation, geopolitics, and security. The path to achieving greater economic integration is clear –TTIP. TTIP will set the gold standard for trade and investment agreements. We must view TTIP as an imperative. So I call on leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, and their respective business communities, to redouble their efforts to complete this deal in a timely fashion. We must answer the critics vigorously—with facts and with conviction. TTIP can set the standards for 21st century global trade and investment—and if we don’t set them, others will,” he added.
Donohue also outlined the importance of the strategic partnership between the United States and Europe. “The transatlantic community is now grappling with challenges such as the spread of nuclear weapons to rogue states and non-state actors, regional conflicts that have the potential to disrupt the entire global supply chain, and the compelling need to protect our cyber security,” he said. “We need prosperity to pay for security. It is critical that our political leaders understand this fundamental reality and further strengthen our strategic partnership. When the United States and the EU act together we make a tremendous difference in world affairs. We must step up and offer strong, smart, and positive global leadership—in commerce, diplomacy, geopolitics, security, and advocacy of our most cherished values,” he added.
Following his participating in the Hannover Messe forum, Donohue will travel to Brussels, Belgium for high-level meetings with senior government officials and business leaders to advocate for an ambitious TTIP agreement that will ensure the free flow of capital, talent, goods and data, as well as guarantee a level playing field by reforming procurement rules, protecting IP and fostering regulatory cooperation, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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